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Inferior Vena Cava Filter Migrated to Left Ventricle
Yuhai Zhang1, Ming Shen2, Weimin Huang1
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Baotou Clinical Medical College affiliated to Inner Mongolia Medical University, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China. wei_shixiong@163.com.
The Heart Surgery Forum
|June 26, 2021
Summary
A fractured Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filter caused severe heart valve damage and pericardial tamponade. This rare complication highlights the risks associated with IVC filters and the need for careful monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Medical Device Complications
Background:
- Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are used to prevent pulmonary embolism in venous thromboembolism patients.
- Fracture and embolization of IVC filters are known but rare complications.
Observation:
- A 38-year-old male presented with chest tightness due to a fractured IVC filter.
- The fractured filter's steel wire had migrated and caused significant cardiac damage.
Findings:
- Complete pericardial tamponade and severe mitral/tricuspid valve regurgitation were diagnosed.
- Surgical exploration revealed the wire perforated the atrioventricular septum, mitral valve, and left ventricle.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for severe cardiac injury from fractured IVC filters.
- Highlights the importance of vigilance in patients with IVC filters and cardiac symptoms.
- Suggests a need for improved IVC filter design and monitoring protocols.
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